Hey there fellow grill enthusiasts! I’m Thomas from ShunGrill and today I’m gonna share everything I know about grilling cooked shrimp. After years of grilling experience and countless shrimp BBQs, I’ve figured out the perfect timing to get those juicy, flavorful shrimp every single time.
Quick Answer
For pre-cooked shrimp grill them for about 1-2 minutes per side over medium-high heat (400-450°F). Since they’re already cooked you just want to heat them through and get some nice grill marks.
Detailed Grilling Guide
Temperature Settings
- Medium-high heat: 400-450°F
- Grill setup: Direct heat cooking
- Grate preparation: Clean and well-oiled
Timing Chart for Pre-cooked Shrimp
| Shrimp Size | Grilling Time (per side) |
|---|---|
| Small | 45-60 seconds |
| Medium | 1 minute |
| Large | 1-2 minutes |
| Jumbo | 2 minutes |
My Pro Tips for Grilling Pre-cooked Shrimp
-
Pat them dry
- Remove excess moisture with paper towels
- Helps prevent steaming and promotes better char
-
Light seasoning
- Don’t overdo it – they’re already seasoned
- A little olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper work great
-
Skewer setup
- Use metal skewers or soaked wooden ones
- Thread 6-8 shrimp per skewer
- Leave small gaps between each shrimp
-
Watch them like a hawk
- Pre-cooked shrimp can get rubbery super fast
- Keep the lid open while grilling
- Remove as soon as they’re heated through
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Biggest no-no! They’ll get tough and rubbery
- Cold shrimp: Let them come to room temp before grilling
- Overcrowding: Give them space on the grill
- Wrong heat: Too low heat won’t give nice grill marks
Signs Your Shrimp Are Ready
- Light grill marks appear
- Heated through to the center
- Slightly firmer but not tough
- Edges start to curl slightly
Serving Suggestions
Here’s what I love serving with my grilled shrimp:
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Garlic butter sauce
- Grilled veggies
- Light summer salad
- Cold pasta salad
Storage Tips
If you’ve got leftovers (which rarely happens at my house!):
- Store in airtight container
- Keep refrigerated up to 2 days
- Use in cold dishes like salads
- Avoid reheating again
FAQ
Q: Can I marinate pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Sure can! But keep it brief – 15-20 minutes max.
Q: Should I remove the tails?
A: I prefer leaving them on for presentation and as a handle.
Q: Can I use a grill basket?
A: Absolutely! It’s great for smaller shrimp.
My Final Thoughts
Grilling pre-cooked shrimp is super quick and easy once you get the timing right. The key is to remember you’re just heating them through and adding some smoky flavor – not cooking them from scratch. Keep an eye on them, and you’ll have perfect grilled shrimp every time!
Remember, these times are based on my experience, but your grill might be different. Don’t be afraid to adjust based on your setup and results. Happy grilling, everyone!
Got any questions about grilling shrimp? Drop them in the comments below – I’d love to help!
Six steps to grilling shrimp
Raw shrimp on a skewer, ready for the grill – How to grill shrimp
1. For the best possible results, buy fresh shrimp on the day that you plan to grill them. Shrimp thaw quickly and can go bad even more quickly. Make sure that you buy either jumbo or colossal sized shrimp for easier grilling.
2. Shrimp can be grilled with or without their shells. I like to peel the shrimp prior to grilling. Remove all of the shell except for the part that is around the tail of the shrimp. Removing the shell will allow the marinade to penetrate the meat and give the shrimp more taste.
3. Devein the shrimp by using a small, sharp knife to cut down the back of each peeled shrimp. Pull out the back vein while washing the shrimp under cold water. The vein is noticeable in jumbo or colossal shrimp.
ully grilled shrimp on a skewer – How to grill shrimp
4. Give the shrimp flavor in the marinade of your choice. My favorite is just a simple brush of olive oil on the shrimp with some salt, pepper and squeeze of lemon.
5. Thread your shrimp on a skewer for easy grilling. You can use a wooden skewer or metal skewer, both options work well.
6. Now it is time to grill the shrimp. Preheat your grill to 350-450°F and set it up for direct cooking. Grill the shrimp over direct, medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning the shrimp halfway through the process. The outside of the shrimp should turn a nice pink color when it is cooked while the meat inside should be white and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp or else it will become tough.
Take the shrimp off the grill and it is time to enjoy, perfect for a shrimp cocktail or to pair with your favorite dipping sauce!